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Self Hypnosis – What It Is And What It Does

In today’s ever changing world, we sometimes need help to get rid of habits and calm our fears. We can turn to the traditional methods: doctors, government agencies and over the counter medication. We can talk to therapists and psychologists. We can even go-it-alone. Sometimes, however, when it seems nothing we do is helping our situation, we need a little help that is outside the box. It is time to consider self hypnosis. It can work where all other methods have let us down.

What is Self Hypnosis?

Self hypnosis is a relative of hypnosis. It simply replaces a hypnotherapist or other qualified individual with the client. In other words, the hypnotist is also the client. Self hypnosis, like hypnosis, is tool of self discovery and awareness. It is a means through which anyone can access the subconscious mind. You do so deliberately with the intent to alter the current pattern of thought held by the subconscious. In doing so, you begin to lay the groundwork for change.

The Purpose of Self Hypnosis

The purpose of Self hypnosis varies in accordance with the individual’s needs. The basic function of this technique is to help an individual reach deep down into his or her subconscious. In doing so, you can retrain it to reflect and embrace what you wish to accomplish. Some typical purposes of self hypnosis include:

To quit smoking
To help with a diet
To improve your overall self image
To help you overcome any fears
To stop such things as procrastination
To aid you in addressing phobias
To assist you in improving your memory

How does Self Hypnosis Differ from Stage Hypnosis?

Hypnosis and self hypnosis are respected forms of therapy. These forms of hypnotherapy are used to achieve a specific purpose – one in which only the person desiring change or seeking a solution and the therapist take part. The goals the therapist and client set are individualistic and meant to address a real need. The sessions and subjects are personal, private and performed in a safe and secure environment. If you use self hypnosis, only you need to know why you are there.

In the case of stage hypnosis, the major difference is the stage. This is a public performance. People have paid the hypnotist/magician to see what he or she can “make” someone do. The “client” or stage prop is not there to achieve any personal goal except, perhaps for their few minutes of fame. The stage hypnotist can be manipulative and even exploitative to obtain his or her goals. Moreover, the whole strategy requires more than a little of illusion and even self delusion.

The Tools of Self Hypnosis

The tools you use are basic. You need a quiet place – particularly essential at the beginning. You need to create, purchase or download various audio aids. These contain basic scripts to help you reach your subconscious. They also contain the specific messages you wish your subconscious to accept.

You need to make some time for the session. This should occur on a regular, preferably daily, basis. The setting should not only be quiet but comfortable. It needs to feel safe.

You can, if you wish, light incense and/or candles. This adds to the atmosphere. It can be helpful in relaxing you. This increases the ability of you to reach your trance-like state more quickly.

The other tools for actual hypnosis lie within you. You need to be able to reach a trance-like state. You need to relax. You have to be specific in your goal. You need to then visualise it clearly and progressively. The timeframe of this goal must firmly resonate in your conscious and subconscious minds. It must be here, now and in the near future if it is to be effective. The Advantages of Self Hypnosis Self hypnosis has several advantages over its formal hypnotherapy colleague. It is:

Inexpensive – you require many a few books and audio-visual aids, many obtainable online through downloads
For home use. It is nice to be able to relax in the safety and comfort of your own
Also portable when you feel comfortable doing so
Does not require setting up an appointment
You can do so at your own pace in your own time

All these factors combine to make self hypnosis safe, reliable, secure and to your advantage to try now.